Scam calls in Philippines surge 78% in Q3 2025 — anti-scam app report

By Jel Santos

Published Oct 14, 2025 10:02 pm

(PHOTO: PIXABAY)

A 78.44 percent rise in scam calls was recorded in the Philippines in the third quarter of 2025, data from the latest Whoscall Scam Report of global anti-scam app developer Gogolook showed.

During the period, Whoscall said it logged a total of 62,390 scam calls, a sharp increase from 34,964 in the previous quarter. 

Despite the spike, it noted that the figure remains 62.24 percent lower year-on-year than the 165,236 scam calls recorded in the same period in 2024.

Whoscall stated that it recorded 37,609 SMS scams, down by 42.17 percent from 65,035 in the previous quarter and a 97.71 percent year-on-year drop from 1,645,470 in 2024.

Gogolook Philippines Country Head and General Manager Mel Migriño said the trend indicates a behavioral shift among mobile users.

“Since the first quarter Scam Report of 2025, we have seen that Filipinos have become more cautious about clicking links from unknown numbers in SMS swindles. This shows that scammers are now shifting their tactics to calls and social media,” she said 

She explained that the rise in call scams is largely driven by fraudsters exploiting the telemarketing systems of financial institutions.

“They are taking advantage of legitimate promotional calls like credit card limit upgrades, making their scams sound more believable to unsuspecting consumers,” she noted.

Per Migriño, the continued decline in text-based scams can be credited to the “whole-of-society approach” involving law enforcement raids of major scam hubs nationwide and joint awareness campaigns.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report scam incidents through official channels.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) acting executive director Usec. Renato “Aboy” Paraiso said public reports are crucial in combating online fraud.

“We continue to urge the public to report scam incidents, as these serve as leads for further investigation and as the foundation for various initiatives that raise public awareness against online scams,” he said.

Also, Whoscall said it detected 27,510 malicious links during the third quarter, which was up 31.65 percent from 18,735 in the previous quarter.

Most of these links imitated loan or reward offers from banks, increasing from 14,421 to 25,309 quarter-on-quarter, it added.

Meanwhile, the anti-scam app said adult gambling URLs plummeted by 93.61 percent, from 4,308 to just 275.

PAGASA warns La Niña may hit by October, floods and landslides expected

 

By Jel Santos

Published Sep 15, 2025 07:26 pm

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Monday, Sept 15, warned that La Niña could form as early as October, bringing heavier rains, more storms, and heightened risk of floods and landslides in vulnerable areas.

“Most climate models combined with expert judgements suggest 70% chance of La Niña forming in October-December (OND) 2025 season and is likely to persist until December 2025 – February 2026 (DJF 2025-26) season,” PAGASA said in an advisory.

With the development, the bureau has raised its ENSO Alert and Warning System to La Niña Alert. The ENSO Alert is PAGASA’s warning system that signals the likelihood of El Niño or La Niña developing and their possible impacts on the country’s weather.

“Historically, La Niña is characterized by an above-average number of tropical cyclone occurrences towards the end of the year; while recent forecast shows higher chances of above-normal rainfall conditions in most parts of the country,” PAGASA said.

These rains may be triggered by “monsoons, severe thunderstorms, low pressure areas (LPAs), easterlies, shearlines and intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), that can trigger adverse impacts, including floods and landslides in vulnerable areas,” the state weather bureau added.

PAGASA explained that a La Niña Alert is raised when there is at least a 70 percent chance of the weather phenomenon developing within two months.

The agency urged the public and government agencies to stay on guard.

“DOST-PAGASA will continue to closely monitor the possibility of La Niña, and its effect on the local climate. All concerned agencies and the public are encouraged to continue monitoring and take precautionary measures against their potential impacts,” it said.

FDA scraps senior citizen purchase booklet for medicine, device discounts

By Jel Santos

Published Sep 4, 2025 06:42 pm     

(MB PHOTO)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has formally removed the purchase booklet from the list of requirements for senior citizens to avail of the mandated 20 percent discount and 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) exemption on medicines and medical devices.

In FDA Circular No. 2025-005, issued on Thursday, Sept. 4, the agency said the change is in line with the Department of Health’s (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2024-0017 entitled, “Purchase Booklets No Longer Required for the 20% Senior Citizens’ Discount on Medicines, in Compliance with Republic Act No. 9994.”

Republic Act 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, grants seniors a 20 percent discount and VAT exemption on medicines and devices.

The FDA clarified that while previous DOH orders had required the presentation of a purchase booklet for every transaction, the law itself did not mandate it.

“To streamline the requirements and remove undue regulatory burden to the availing Senior Citizens, the DOH has omitted the purchase booklet from the checklist of requirements,” the circular stated.

Under the guidelines, seniors or their representatives only need to present valid identification to avail of the discount.

Acceptable IDs include a Senior Citizens’ ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), a Philippine passport, or other government-issued IDs showing citizenship and proof of age such as a driver’s license, voter’s ID, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC card, or postal ID.

For prescription medicines and devices, a doctor’s prescription is still required. It must contain the senior citizen’s name, age, sex, and address; the date; generic name of the medicine; dosage form and strength; quantity; and the prescribing physician’s name, signature, address, and license number.

“All establishments shall grant a 20% Senior Citizen discount and a 12% VAT exemption on the purchase of medicines and medical devices, upon presentation of requirements reflected in Section VI of this Circular,” the FDA reminded.

All rivers, streams in Metro Manila may be affected by flooding — PAGASA

 

(MB FILE PHOTO)

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 26, 2025 12:12 am

All rivers and streams in Metro Manila may be affected by flooding as light to moderate rains and thunderstorms are expected in the region, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned Monday night, August 25.

In its General Flood Advisory No. 1 issued at 9:45 p.m., PAGASA said that “all rivers and streams in Metro Manila” are likely to be affected.

The state weather bureau explained that as of 3 p.m., the low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was located 290 kilometers northeast of Maasin City, Southern Leyte, or 130 kilometers east northeast of Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

It added that the LPA, together with the southwest monsoon, is affecting the western section of Southern Luzon.

With this, the agency reminded residents near mountain slopes and low-lying areas, as well as disaster officials, to be on alert. 

“People living near the mountain slopes and in the low-lying areas of the above-mentioned river systems and the local disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned are advised to take necessary precautionary measures,” it said.

Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced that classes at all levels and government work in Metro Manila and several provinces would be suspended on Tuesday, August 26, due to the expected heavy rains.

LPA inside PAR has 'medium' potential to develop into tropical depression, says PAGASA

 (PHOTO: DOST-PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE)

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 25, 2025 11:51 pm

A low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has a “medium” potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the state weather bureau said Monday night, August 25. 

Should the system strengthens into a tropical depression, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said it will assign it the name “Jacinto.”

“As of 8 p.m. today, 25 August 2025, the Low Pressure Area (LPA 08f) still being monitored inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It has a ‘MEDIUM’ potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours,” PAGASA reported.

The LPA, along with the southwest monsoon, is expected to bring heavy rains in several provinces in Luzon and Visayas. 

In its Weather Advisory No. 7 issued at 11 p.m., PAGASA said “heavy rainfall outlook due to Low Pressure Area (LPA)” from tonight until Tuesday evening may reach 50 to 100 millimeters in Aurora, Quezon, Laguna, Rizal, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

By Tuesday evening until Wednesday evening, August 27, PAGASA said the same rainfall range will affect Aurora, Bulacan, Quezon, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, the agency said the southwest monsoon or “habagat” will bring 50–100 millimeters of rain over Palawan and Antique tonight until Tuesday evening, expanding to Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Antique, and Negros Occidental from Tuesday evening until Wednesday evening. 

By Wednesday evening until Thursday evening, Palawan and Occidental Mindoro will continue to see heavy rains, it added.

The agency warned that “forecast rainfall may be higher in mountainous and elevated areas."

"Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall," it added.

PAGASA urged residents and local disaster officials to prepare for possible floods and landslides. 

“The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices concerned are advised to take all necessary measures to protect life and property,” it said.

Public warned against fake 'refund' messages from scammers

 

By Jel Santos

Published Aug 14, 2025 03:31 pm

(PHOTO: DOH)

Scammers are targeting the public with fake text messages claiming to be from the Department of Health (DOH) and promising refunds for alleged hospital overpayments, the agency warned on Thursday, August 14. 

Recently, there have been reports of individuals receiving text messages claiming they had received over P8,000 from the “DOH zero billing plan” and urging them to click a suspicious link to claim the refund.

“Ang transaksyon sa larawan ay isang uri ng SCAM. Ito ay hindi galing sa DOH o sa anumang sangay ng gobyerno (The transaction in the image is a type of scam. It did not come from the DOH or any government agency),” the agency said in an advisory.

The DOH said neither the agency nor its hospitals send links to the public, and urged people not to click suspicious links in scam messages.

According to the agency, legitimate benefits under the Marcos administration’s “Bayad na Bill Mo” or “No Balance Billing” program are free of charge for basic services and accommodation in all DOH hospitals nationwide.

The DOH reminded the public to remain vigilant against text scam messages, stressing that these schemes often use official-sounding names and false promises to trick recipients into clicking harmful links or sharing personal information.

The health department encouraged Filipinos to verify health information through its official website and social media accounts before believing or acting on it, as a safeguard against scams.

Low pressure area enters PAR, may strengthen into first storm of 2025—PAGASA

 

(PHOTO: PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE)

By Jel Santos

Published Jun 6, 2025 11:25 am

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Updated Jun 6, 2025 02:08 pm

A low pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Friday morning, June 6, and may develop into the first tropical cyclone of 2025 within the next 24 hours, state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

“Nakapasok na po ng Philippine Area of Responsibility yung ating mino-monitor na low pressure area dito sa may Pacific Ocean as of 2 a.m. (The low pressure area we’ve been monitoring over the Pacific Ocean entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility as of 2 a.m.),” PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja reported.

As of 3 a.m., the agency said the system was spotted 945 kilometers east of the Visayas. 

Etareja noted that the chance of it intensifying into a tropical depression is now “moderate.”

“Base sa ating latest analysis po, kung kahapon ay mababa pa ‘yung tyansa na ito ay maging isang ganap na bagyo, ngayon ay moderate na po yung tyansa o katamtamang tyansa (Based on our latest analysis, if yesterday the chance of it becoming a full-fledged storm was low, today the chance is moderate),” he said.

Should the system develop into a tropical depression by Saturday or Sunday, it will be named “Auring”—the first named storm of both June and the year 2025.

Rain expected in multiple regions

Estareja said the LPA is expected to move closer to the Bicol Region and Eastern Visayas on Friday, and approach land by the weekend.

“So possible pang mabago ang scenario na nakikita natin for this weather disturbance pero ang sure tayo magpapaulan ito in many areas of Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region (The scenario for this disturbance may still change, but what’s certain is that it will bring rain to many areas in the Bicol Region, Visayas, and CARAGA Region),” the weather specialist said.

He added that as the system moves closer to land, it will enhance the southwest monsoon or habagat, bringing rains not just to Luzon but also to western portions of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Monsoon rains in Metro Manila, Luzon

“Ngayong araw po, dahil sa epekto ng southwest monsoon at trough of the low pressure area, mataas ang tyansa ng ulan sa Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region at MIMAROPA (Today, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon and the LPA’s trough, there is a high chance of rain in Metro Manila, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, and MIMAROPA),” Estareja said.

PAGASA said light to moderate rains, occasionally heavy, are expected especially in Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro, where residents are warned to be alert for possible flooding and landslides.

Meanwhile, the bureau said Northern and Central Luzon will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms.

“May tyansa pa rin po ng mga pulo-pulong pag-ulan at pagkidlat, paglukog dulot po iyan ng habagat at wala namang kinalaman sa low pressure area (There’s still a chance of isolated rain and thunderstorms due to the southwest monsoon, and these are not related to the low pressure area),” the weather specialist clarified.

Unprotected sex, online porn, dating apps driving HIV cases among youth — DOH chief

 

By Jel Santos

The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases among young Filipinos is driven by high-risk sexual behavior, including unprotected sex, online pornography, and dating apps, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said Thursday, June 5.

As of the first quarter of 2025, the health department has recorded an average of 57 new HIV cases per day.

“Tumaas ang risky behavior. So, number one, easy access to pornography online; number two, mga dating apps; number three, hindi gumagamit ng protection, unprotected sex (Risky behavior has increased. First, easy access to online pornography; second, dating apps; third, lack of protection, unprotected sex),” Herbosa said during a media briefing, when asked about the reasons behind the rise in HIV cases.

Such behavior, he noted, makes testing and prevention more difficult, especially among adolescents.

Per Herbosa, the youngest reported HIV case is a 12-year-old child from Palawan who is already sexually active.

The DOH chief also raised concerns about the impact of social stigma on testing uptake.

“Napansin ko, tumataas iyong HIV kasi mataas pa rin ang stigma sa atin (I’ve noticed HIV cases are rising largely because of the stigma),” said Herbosa.

To improve access, he said the DOH has lowered the age of consent for HIV testing to 16. 

However, Herbosa pointed out that treatment still requires parental consent, which remains a barrier for minors who test positive.

“Ang problema, kailangan din namin ng parental consent ng start of treatment, so, that’s another legislation na kailangan namin (The problem is we still need parental consent to begin treatment, so that’s another law we n

According to Herbosa, addressing the rise in youth infections will require not just medical services, but legislative reforms, funding, and public education.

“Kita ninyo na to battle HIV ay kailangan ko ang legislation, kailangan ko ang funding, kailangan ko ng information campaign (You can see that to battle HIV, I need legislation, I need funding, and I need an information campaign),” he said.

Meanwhile, Herbosa emphasized that HIV is no longer a death sentence and can be managed like any chronic condition if diagnosed early and treated consistently.

“Hindi na po death sentence ang HIV sa panahon ngayon… Maintenance lang ang kailangan po, katapat niyan para na lang siyang high blood or diabetes (HIV is no longer a death sentence nowadays… It only requires maintenance, like hypertension or diabetes),” he noted.

The DOH chief said they have already intensified efforts to expand access to free anti-retroviral (ARV) medication and streamline patient services in public hospitals.

PAGASA: Extreme heat in Luzon, flood threat in Mindanao this Black Saturday

BY JEL SANTOS

 

(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Black Saturday, April 19, said parts of Luzon are under extreme heat, while thunderstorms in eastern Mindanao may lead to flooding and landslides.

 

“Patuloy pa ring umiiral ang easterlies o ‘yung mainit na hangin mula sa dagat Pasipiko sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa kung saan ngayong araw ay magdadala ito ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tiyansa ng pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog dito sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao. So pag-iingat po para sa ating mga kababayan diyan, sa posibilidad ng pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa (The easterlies continue to affect much of the country and today will bring cloudy skies and a high chance of rain, lightning, and thunder to the eastern part of Mindanao. Residents are advised to take precautions due to possible flooding and landslides),” said PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda.

 

Per PAGASA, parts of Luzon are expected to experience extreme heat on Black Saturday, with the heat index hitting 44°C in Ambulong (Tanauan, Batangas) and Infanta (Quezon), 43°C in NAIA (Pasay), and 41°C in Quezon City.  

 

The agency classifies a heat index between 42°C and 51°C as “Danger,” meaning heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure.

 

“Samantala, sa nalalabing bahagi naman ng ating bansa ay patuloy pa ring makakaranas ng mainit maalinsangan na panahon lalong-lalo na sa tanghali at mayroon pa rin po tayong mga posibilidad ng mga isolated o mga biglaang pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog na dulot ng easterlies (Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather, especially at noon, with chances of isolated thunderstorms caused by the easterlies),” Castañeda added.

 

Despite the unstable weather, PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone or low pressure area currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility. 

 

“And sa kasalukuyan, wala tayong mino-monitor na bagyo or low pressure area na maaring makapaapekto sa ating bansa (As of now, we are not monitoring any typhoon or low pressure area that could affect the country),” Castañeda said.

 

 

PAGASA has advised the public to stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and monitor local thunderstorm and heat index advisories.

Dengue cases surge by 56% nationwide—DOH

BY JEL SANTOS

Feb 21, 2025 02:19 PM

  

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(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

Dengue cases nationwide have increased by 56 percent, with a total of 43,732 cases reported from January to February 15, compared to 27,995 in the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday, Feb. 21.

 

Despite this alarming rise, the health department noted a lower case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.38 percent, down from 0.42 percent last year.

 

In response to President Marcos’ call for immediate action, the DOH said it has ramped up its dengue control measures, working closely with local government units (LGUs) to combat the outbreak in the most affected regions. 

 

“The high count may be found most in three regions that account for more than half of cases nationwide: CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362). Seventeen (17) local government units within these regions are dengue hotspots,” the DOH said in a statement. 

 

Despite the overall surge in cases, DOH data indicates a 5 percent decline in new cases in the past four weeks, from 15,904 cases (Jan. 5 to 18) to 15,134 cases (Jan. 19 to Feb. 15). 

 

This was attributed by the health department to the slight improvement in public awareness campaigns, intensified clean-up efforts, and vector control measures.

 

“This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action,” the agency noted. 

 

“In focus would be the more frequent clean-up drives to search and destroy stagnant water mosquito breeding sites, and misting or fogging in hotspot areas with high mosquito vector load.”

 

LGUs lead dengue response

 

Recognizing the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks, the DOH said it is ready to support LGUs in their intensified response efforts.

 

“The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue,” the DOH stated. 

 

“LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” it added. 

 

To bolster frontline response, the DOH stated that it has prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment on-the-ground logistical needs. 

 

It added that government hospitals and health facilities have also been directed to reactivate dengue fast lanes for expedited triage, diagnosis, and treatment of suspected cases.

 

Children most affected 

 

According to the DOH, the latest data showed that children aged 5 to 14 years old are the most affected by the dengue outbreak, prompting the agency to issue stronger advisories to parents and caregivers.

 

“Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas,” the agency said.

 

Join 4 p.m. mosquito drive

 

As part of its national campaign, the DOH called on the public to participate in daily efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds.

 

The DOH’s 4 p.m. Mosquito Drive is a nationwide campaign urging Filipinos to take daily preventive measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes at 4 p.m. when mosquito activity is at its peak. 

 

The initiative emphasizes clean-up drives, eliminating stagnant water, fogging in high-risk areas, and promoting personal protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents.

 

“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

 

The DOH chief also reiterated that early consultation is key, assuring the public that PhilHealth will cover medical expenses for dengue treatment.

 

“Keep the inside and outside of the house dry - do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms - don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” he said.

‘Half-cup rice’ key to curb rice wastage in PH—DA chief

BY JEL SANTOS

Dec 3, 2024 05:54 PM 

(JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)

The current rice wastage in the country could feed up to 2.8 million Filipinos every year, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday, Dec. 3, as he pushed for the implementation of a “half-cup rice” policy in restaurants, canteens and even eateries. 

Citing data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Laurel also said that household rice wastage decreased to 255,000 metric tons in 2019, down from 340,000 metric tons in 2009.

Despite such improvement, Laurel said the matter is still very concerning.

“This progress is encouraging, but the numbers remain alarming,” he said.

The Philippines, according to him, needs to revisit the “‘half-cup rice’ proposal to encourage more responsible consumption.”

Based on the survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 2018-2019, the average Filipino household wastes 53 grams of cooked rice every day, equivalent to 6.4 grams of uncooked rice per person.

The survey data exclude wastage from restaurants and other establishments, making the total potentially higher.

In 2013, President Marcos, who was then senator, introduced the “half-cup rice” initiative by filing a bill that seeks to promote serving smaller portions to reduce waste and diversify meals.

PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon supported the push for smaller portions, saying it could also address health concerns.

“Serving half a cup of rice reduces waste and promotes healthier, more balanced diets,” he said.

Rice overconsumption has been linked to the rising prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines.

In 2021, one in 14 Filipinos had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Laurel said the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to halve global food waste by 2030. Cutting rice wastage aligns with these objectives while easing the financial strain on rice imports and healthcare costs. 

“This isn’t just about food security—it’s about sustainability and public health,” he went on.

PH needs to update its 15-year-old disaster risk reduction law —officials

BY JEL SANTOS

  

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Senator Loren Legarda (left) and DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (right)| JEL SANTOS/ MB PHOTO

The Philippines, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt, needs to update its 15-year-old disaster risk reduction law, two top officials of the country said during a plenary discussion of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

“The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which, upon consultation with DND Secretary Teodoro and his team, we hope to amend and revise to make it more up-to-date since it's a 15-year-old law,” Senator Loren Legarda said in her speech.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said it was also timely to review the disaster risk reduction law which had been enacted 15 years ago.

“Because of changing circumstances, because of experiences in the field, we have been able to identify some gaps that need to be filled, some streamlining that needs to be done,” he said.

“And this is a constant exercise that should happen in most areas of government, but it is critical that it happens in disaster risk reduction in order to optimize and to focus government efforts in all aspects of the topic,” he added.

Teodoro thanked Legarda for being their “partner and champion” in the Senate and for
her advocacy.

Teodoro emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, legislators, and the executive branch in implementing laws effectively. 

He highlighted the lawmaker’s point about the critical role of ongoing feedback between lawmakers and agencies, such as the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in ensuring effective coordination and action.

“Hence, in this interaction between the legislators and us, it prevents the siloing because they are a source of important feedback and vice versa,” he said.

‘Leaving no one behind’

Leaving no one behind, according to Legarda, must drive the renovation of risk governance.

“We must take a look at hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities. Women, girls, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples' communities, marginalized groups must be at the heart of shaping the post-2030 disaster risk governance framework, post-Sendai, ensuring their leadership in building truly resilient and inclusive systems,” the senator said.

From risk assessment to recovery, she said persons with disabilities (PWDs) must be included in all stages of disaster risk management.

“At the same time, disability-inclusive governance is equally critical,” she added.

Legarda said early warning systems, evacuation procedures, recovery plans must be accessible to everyone, especially in an archipelago of 110 million Filipinos in the most far-flung islands and the highest mountains, with inland rivers and lakes.

The lawmaker stressed that resilience cannot be achieved by working in silos, noting that governments sometimes are “very exclusive to each other and not inclusive.”

“Kanya-kanya, in the Tagalog word, to each his own, and that would spell disaster. Governance, the private sector, civil society, local communities, the education sector, all must collaborate to create inclusive and innovative solutions,” she said.

“Most importantly, local communities who are on the frontlines, whether you are in the provincial level, city, municipality, even barangay, purok, and sitio, at the frontlines of preparedness and disaster response in the whole scheme of things.”

Per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines is situated both the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt due to its unique geography.

Environment Secretary Loyzaga said this has “perennially bore the brunt of ever-increasing natural disasters due to rapid and slow onset climate and weather-related hazards.”

“Our large growing population and our steady economic growth are factors resulting in the singular distinction of being among the world’s countries at highest risk for several years running,” she said earlier.

She said this distinction underscores the reality that climate hazards are a fact of life for all Filipinos.

350,000 kilos of trash collected from 250 coastal areas in cleanup drive—DENR

BY JEL SANTOS

Sep 22, 2024 05:09 PM

  

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(DENR PHOTO)

More than 350,000 kilograms of trash were collected from 250 coastal sites nationwide  during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The cleanup drive, which seeks to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems, gathered a total of 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris, ranging from plastics to other waste materials.

According to DENR, a total of 74,075 volunteers from 1,913 government, academe, and private sector organizations collected trash at beaches, riverbanks, and coastlines.

The agency said the cleanup drive started from the northernmost Pasuquin municipality in the Ilocos Region to the southernmost Gian municipality in the Socksargen Region.

The information gathered during the cleanup, according to the DENR, will help identify the kinds of waste impacting the nation's waters, informing future efforts in conservation, waste recovery, and resource utilization. Recyclable trash will be delivered to the nearest Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said that this year represents a key milestone in the Philippines' ongoing commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation.

“With the ICC 2024 theme, ‘Clean Seas for Blue Economy’, this year’s cleanup not only aimed to address immediate pollution but also sought to inspire long-term behavioral changes among communities, encouraging everyone to reduce waste and participate in ongoing clean-up initiatives,” she said in her speech.

“Today, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and dedication from Filipinos who care deeply about our environment. As we celebrate the 30th year of the International Coastal Cleanup in the Philippines, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our coastal resources and promoting sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystems,” she went on.

President Marcos had earlier identified climate change and improper waste disposal as key contributors to the severe flooding in Metro Manila.

The ICC is one of the world’s largest volunteer initiatives, with over 150 countries and millions of participants annually. The Philippines began taking part in the ICC around 1994, and in 2003, the government formalized its participation through Presidential Proclamation 470, designating the third Saturday of September as the official ICC day in the country.